For Fans of Becky Albertalli & Meredith Russo ...

The first two chapters of Isaac Fitzsimons's contemporary realistic novel "The Passing Playbook" quickly and clearly introduce readers to Spencer: a trans boy starting at a prestigious new high school in Ohio with the goal of passing as a queer male. Spencer is a savvy, capable introvert, and while he is able to make a few friends on his first day, he finds himself being recruited (actually kind of blackmailed??) onto the high school soccer team. Spencer isn't sure he wants to play soccer, and how could he continue passing as a member of the boys' team anyway? But it seems like his normally supportive parents don't think he should play boys' sports ... which makes Spencer want to try out even more. I think teen fans of Becky Albertalli's books will immediately be drawn to the characters and tone of Fitzsimons' new novel. And with transgender sports bans being instituted all over the country, the affirmation of queer youth's constitutional rights is more pressing than ever. Looks like a fun, important read that a lot of teens will enjoy!